The hidden dangers of AirPods: is it time to take a break?

Bluetooth and EMF radiation from wireless headphones may not be as innocent as previously thought.

Source:  iStockphoto - olegbreslavtsev

______

____

02.05.2025  |  O. Poruba

EMF radiation: what is it?

Bluetooth headsets emit EMF, but with a significantly lower SAR value than mobile phones. Still, there is debate about their long-term impact.

Source: Shutterstock - Olena Tatarintseva

______

____

Did you know that the WHO classifies RF radiation as a possible carcinogen?

The WHO has classified RF radiation, which is also emitted by wireless headphones, as a possible carcinogen. This includes mobile phones and Wi-Fi.

Source: Shutterstock - Prostock-studio

______

____

Why did neuroscientist Andrew Huberman throw away AirPods?

Dr. Andrew Huberman stopped using Bluetooth headphones because of the cysts behind his ears. He suspected radiation from the Bluetooth transmission.

Source: Creative commons, CC-BY-SA - Jamesbrianbounds

______

____

Scientists' petition: 247 experts warn of EMF radiation

247 scientists warn the UN and WHO about the risks of electromagnetic radiation. Even low doses can have biological effects.

Source: Shutterstock - Sawangkaew

______

____

How much radiation do Bluetooth headphones emit?

Bluetooth headphones have a SAR of 0.001-0.5 W/kg, less than cell phones. Even low radiation can affect sensitive individuals, but science does not support this.

Source: Shutterstock - Lee Charlie

______

____

What are safer alternatives to Bluetooth?

'Air tube' headphones and ferrite-core cable minimize EMF radiation. They are less stylish but safer.

Source:  Unsplash+ - Yogendra Singh

______

____

How to use the headphones safely?

Limit the time of use to 60 minutes per day. Change headphones and do not wear them all day. The brain deserves rest.

Source: Shutterstock - itakdalee

______

____

So is it harmful or not? The science is not yet clear

Bluetooth headphones are not clearly harmful, but neither are they completely safe. Studies point to possible neurological changes.

Source:  Pexels - Tirachard Kumtanom

______

____

What to take away from this?

Some people wear AirPods 8 hours a day, others have pressure in their head after 20 minutes. It depends on your sensitivity and lifestyle.

Source: Shutterstock - ORION PRODUCTION

______

____

And what if we're overdoing it all?

Maybe EMF radiation doesn't hurt. But what if we find out in a few years that we underestimated it? When in doubt, put down the headphones.

Source: Shutterstock - fizkes

______

____